Dublin, Ireland – June 16, 2020 – 9 Story Distribution International is pleased to announce the worldwide distribution rights of the new animated series Guitar & Drum. Produced by Punkrobot Animation Studio (Chile) and Hype Animation (Brazil), the 52 x 5’ show is aimed at preschool audiences.
Punkrobot is the studio behind the short film Bear Story, which made history in 2016 as the first Latin American animated short Oscar winner. The series is directed by Punkrobot’s Antonia Herrera and María Elisa Soto-Aguilar, in their directorial debut. Pato Escala (Bear Story, I Am Little Red) and Gabriel Garcia (Tainá and the Amazon’s Guardians) serve as executive producers. Guitar & Drum premiered on Disney Channels Latin America last May.
Aimed at children 3-5, Guitar & Drum follows the adventures of two musical instruments who are also best friends. The series celebrates diversity as an essential part of who we are through a wide range of characters. It addresses cultural topics, personal abilities and different tastes and shows how our differences can empower us to build a better world.
“We are excited to be partnering with the incredibly talented studios Punkrobot and Hype,” said Alix Wiseman, SVP, Distribution and Acquisitions for 9 Story. “Guitar & Drum is a beautiful series with important messages about inclusivity which we’re thrilled to bring to an international audience.”
“Guitar & Drum has powerful messages of acceptance, respect towards others and empathy. We hope it will inspire children to be kinder to one another, and to see each other’s differences in a positive light,” said the filmmakers, Antonia Herrera and María Elisa Soto-Aguilar.
About 9 Story Distribution International
9 Story Distribution International is the international distribution arm of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids & family focused intellectual property. Recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood,
Wild Kratts, Barney and Garfield and Friends, 9 Story Distribution International represents over 4,100 half hours of animated and live action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. With facilities in Toronto, New York, Dublin, Manchester and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs more than 1,100 creative and corporate staff.
About Punkrobot
Punkrobot is an animation studio based in Santiago, Chile, founded by Antonia Herrera, Gabriel Osorio, María Elisa Soto-Aguilar, and Pato Escala. Since 2008 the studio has created and developed multiple projects for television, film and advertising, with a committed and talented team of artists, designers, and animators. In 2016 their short film “Bear Story” won an academy award, making it the first Latin-American animation production to win an Oscar.
About Hype
Based in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Hype has been creating incredible universes and memorable characters for more than 10 years. Working in the entertainment field, the studio created several films and series, and its works have been selected in more than 100 festivals in 35 countries, with series screening in Nickelodeon, Discovery Kids, Disney and Netflix. The mix between people, technology and creativity is the fuel that moves the studio to make great stories to happen.